In early January, wildfires swept through Los Angeles, destroying or damaging over 6,000 homes. By March 24, only four permits had been approved for rebuilding, leaving many fire victims frustrated and confused.
The California Coastal Commission (CCC) took action in January, exempting destroyed homes and businesses from permit requirements under the Coastal Act. However, many victims may not have known they needed these permits in the first place. The CCC, which has been around since the 1970s, often overrides local governments, raising concerns about property rights and land use.
Last December, a brush fire in Malibu forced thousands, including celebrities like Barbra Streisand and Cher, to evacuate. On January 4, despite warnings that fires could worsen, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass traveled to Ghana for an inauguration. Just days later, strong winds caused the fires to spread, resulting in 29 fatalities and the destruction of around 18,000 structures, displacing many residents.
Critics say Mayor Bass should have followed the CCC’s lead and suspended the rebuilding permit requirements. Instead, homeowners impacted by the fires received no special treatment from her office. Meanwhile, the city faced a $1 billion deficit, leading to the hiring of Hagerty Consulting for $10 million to manage recovery efforts. This decision drew ire from city council members, who noted that city staff could handle recovery without the costly outside help.
Councilmember Monica Rodriguez expressed frustration, saying the city has experienced personnel who could manage recovery efforts but were not given the opportunity to do so. This situation highlights ongoing concerns about fiscal management under Mayor Bass.
In her political past, Bass was seen as a potential running mate for Joe Biden in 2020, praised for her leadership in the California Assembly. However, critics point to her failure to advance tax reforms during her tenure and her controversial support for Fidel Castro, which raises questions about her leadership and economic policies.
As Los Angeles looks to rebuild, many are calling for immediate action. They urge Mayor Bass to suspend rebuilding permits for fire victims and suggest that California should consider disbanding the Coastal Commission to protect property rights and reduce wildfire risks in the future.
